Carpet Stretching Gear

[Charlie Lyman]

I have been stretching carpet for 18 years. We make a ton of money doing it. I have the Tri-force. I was one that beta tested it. Its a good tool, but its "a" tool, not "the" tool. I rarely use it, but I keep it on my van just in case. Take a class. Repairs and stretching will open the door for many high dollar jobs. It's not unusual for us to get a $1200-$1500 dollar job to stretch and clean a place. When someone gets a quote for $15K or more for new carpet, they will gladly pay for a stretch and clean, especially if the carpet is in good shape still.

 

[icleancarpetz]

I have been stretching carpet for 18 years. We make a ton of money doing it. I have the Tri-force. I was one that beta tested it. Its a good tool, but its "a" tool, not "the" tool. I rarely use it, but I keep it on my van just in case. Take a class. Repairs and stretching will open the door for many high dollar jobs. It's not unusual for us to get a $1200-$1500 dollar job to stretch and clean a place. When someone gets a quote for $15K or more for new carpet, they will gladly pay for a stretch and clean, especially if the carpet is in good shape still.

Investing in the right tools is ultra important. Im finding as i go along there is always ‘another tool’ that will help repairs a bit easier and better results.
When i first began the repair journey, i was nervous as can be. Sometimes scared to take on a repair. After a few mistakes and determination, now i look at repairs and say to myself, yes i can fix that.

I agree, ‘a tool not the tool’. They are all important and have their place.

 

[hogjowl]

I don’t even like moving furniture to clean. I certainly hated moving out a whole room of furniture to stretch. I still have all the tools. I just no longer have the will to use them.

 

[icleancarpetz]

I don’t even like moving furniture to clean. I certainly hated moving out a whole room of furniture to stretch. I still have all the tools. I just no longer have the will to use them.

I here you.

There are ways to work around most furniture.

 

[hogjowl]

I never developed that skill

 

[SamIam]

I have been wanting to practice carpet stretching in safe places and eventually offer it to some of our clients. I've been doing some research and thought that one of the innovative Tri-Force stretchers would be good being compact to carry around in my truck and useful even in tight quarters.

However somebody with more experience recommended I just go with a power stretcher as they are tried and true. Not sure which direction to go, but there is a Crain 500 Single Case Stretcher in good shape available locally about $300 less than retail. Do you guys think that is a versatile and sufficient tool to grab that will serve me in most spaces aside from narrow hallways?

This is the product

No. 500 Single Case Stretcher - Crain Tools

No. 500 Single Case Stretcher The No. 500 fixed head stretcher comes with a push-button locking power handle, Auto-Lok tube, 3 extension tube sections, 1 transfer tube section, and a folding tail block. The Auto-Lok tube provides fast length adjustments in flexible increments. The tubes adjust...

craintools.com

Any tips are appreciated, thanks!

In bought a crane Jr power stretcher years ago, I also I believe won at auction the triforce attachment.

I only use the power stretcher, I'm a spaz and just don't care for the triforce

 

[SamIam]

I never developed that skill

Me neither, it has to be a small pull only or it's gathering on heavy furniture.

 

[jessi]

I don’t even like moving furniture to clean. I certainly hated moving out a whole room of furniture to stretch. I still have all the tools. I just no longer have the will to use them.

Can I have your tools when you retire

 

[hogjowl]

Brady’s already claimed them.

 

[Bryce C]

How has the carpet stretching been going a year later?

I didn't enjoy learning about it or doing it on the few jobs I took, I actually loathed it. Which is unlike everything else I have gotten into in this field. So I put aside my power stretcher and knee kicker for now.

 

[jessi]

I didn't enjoy learning about it or doing it on the few jobs I took, I actually loathed it. Which is unlike everything else I have gotten into in this field. So I put aside my power stretcher and knee kicker for now.

I understand, it isn’t for everyone and it does get frustrating at times but I would rather stretch an entire house than clean upholstery all day

 

[BIG WOOD]

I understand, it isn’t for everyone and it does get frustrating at times but I would rather stretch an entire house than clean upholstery all day

You have a very good point there.

But I experienced the same thing that Bryce has recently experienced with buying the equipment then loathing the job. Mainly because I never received the proper education to do it properly and efficiently.

Cleaning upholstery all day...those are the days my back is very angry at me

 

[Bryce C]

I understand, it isn’t for everyone and it does get frustrating at times but I would rather stretch an entire house than clean upholstery all day

I can understand that! It would be a great skill to have and a blessing to my customers who have ugly buckled carpeting. Maybe someday. For now I'll stick with the low hanging fruit that brings me more peace and joy. I really need to network with some folks in my area though, it would be great to have a solid referral for my customers in need of such services.

 

[Bryce C]

But I experienced the same thing that Bryce has recently experienced with buying the equipment then loathing the job. Mainly because I never received the proper education to do it properly and efficiently.

Cleaning upholstery all day...those are the days my back is very angry at me

I imagine it would have been better with training. But unlike other aspects of this work, just watching videos and reading about it wasn't exciting or inviting to me like everything else.

Surely I am young and new, I still love cleaning upholstery!

 

[BIG WOOD]

I imagine it would have been better with training. But unlike other aspects of this work, just watching videos and reading about it wasn't exciting or inviting to me like everything else.

Surely I am young and new, I still love cleaning upholstery!

The bigger your upholstery jobs get, the more you will grow to dislike it. I hope I’m wrong for your sake

 

[Bryce C]

The bigger your upholstery jobs get, the more you will grow to dislike it. I hope I’m wrong for your sake

That makes sense. Hopefully, God willing, in 3 years I'll have a second truck on the road. Maybe then I can pawn the upholstery jobs off on the new guy.

 

[Cleanworks]

I can understand that! It would be a great skill to have and a blessing to my customers who have ugly buckled carpeting. Maybe someday. For now I'll stick with the low hanging fruit that brings me more peace and joy. I really need to network with some folks in my area though, it would be great to have a solid referral for my customers in need of such services.

I used to do restretching and repairs but never really liked it. I have a guy in my area that does great work and I just refer him to my customers. He is very detailed and good with the customers. I have no problem referring him. Does a much better job than I did.

 

[hogjowl]

I have a Mexican who hasn’t been deported yet